09/05/2025
Hy Nguyen Hoang Ngoc shares his journey of moving from Vietnam to Canada and how this experience shaped both his personal and professional growth.
Moving to a new country is rarely easy, but it can be a unique opportunity for both personal and professional growth. I had the chance to experience this myself: more than three years ago, I left Vietnam and relocated with my family to Canada. Today, I am working as a Technical Sales Representative at Sika Canada in British Columbia.
When the opportunity arose to join Sika Canada, I didn’t hesitate. For me, it was more than just a relocation: It was a chance to develop my career in a new market and gain insights into a different way of doing business. Thanks to Sika’s international presence, such opportunities are possible, and I am grateful to be part of a company thatvalues cross-border learning and growth. Of course, moving abroad comes with challenges. The Canadian climate was a big adjustment for me, and the business culture differed significantly from what I was used to in Vietnam. Meetings, customer expectations, and communication styles required me to adapt and learn every single day. But these differences soon turned into opportunities. I gained valuable intercultural skills, discovered new approaches to technical sales, and became more effective in supporting customers. Looking back, these experiences have been key to both my professional and personal development
What I appreciate most is that Sika provides the framework for such experiences. International assignments are part of the company’s culture and open doors to new perspectives. At the same time, I felt supported in my role from day one; not only by my team in Canada but also by colleagues across the Sika network.
This journey has also been transformative for my family. My daughter was only eight years old when we arrived and spoke very little English. Today, she has many friends and feels completely at home in Canada. While we miss family and traditions from Vietnam, we have come to enjoy Canada’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, and even the excitement ofski season.
When colleagues ask if they should consider a step like this, my answer is always the same:
"Take a leap of faith, believe in yourself, and embrace the challenge."
It takes courage to leave your comfort zone, but the rewards are immense. For me, the last three years can be summed up in three words: Challenge, Courage, Willingness.